Cage had filed for divorce from her in February. The two, married in April 1995, separated for the second time on November 1, according to the petition.

In his petition, the Oscar-winning Cage Leaving Las Vegas disclosed that he and his wife, who had appeared together in public numerous times over the years, had actually been separated since nine months after their marriage.

"After several months of attempting to resolve their differences ... (Cage and Arquette) acknowledge that divorce proceedings have begun due to irreconcilable differences," his press agent stated, adding that the decision to divorce was "mutual and respectful."

"Mr Cage and Ms Arquette are asking the media to please respect their privacy during this difficult time."

The couple have already dissolved their assets and debts by written agreement, according to court papers.

Arquette and Cage, who have no children, worked together in Bringing Out the Dead, released last year.

Arquette is the sister of actors David and Rosanna Arquette, and the sister-in-law of Courteney Cox-Arquette.